SEARCH CHEMISTRY

Undergraduate Degrees

B.S. In Chemistry Degree: ACS Certified
B.S. Degree, Major in Chemistry
B.S. Degree, Major in Biochemistry
B.S. Degree, Major in Forensic Chemistry
B.S. Degree, Major in Environmental Chemistry

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Courses offered by the Department of Chemistry provide a program of studies that allows the individual to:

1.   Obtain high quality instruction in chemistry as a scientific discipline.
2.   Obtain a sound background in preparation for advanced studies.
3.   Meet the qualifications of professional chemists and accrediting agencies.
4.   Prepare for a professional career in medicine, dentistry, pharmacy,   medical technology, engineering, nursing and other fields.

High school students planning to major in chemistry are advised to take one year of high school chemistry, one year of high school physics, and at least three years of high school mathematics (including geometry, algebra, and trigonometry).

The curriculum and facilities of the department have been approved by the Committee on Professional Training of the American Chemical Society.

Curricula in Chemistry

BS in Chemistry Degree: ACS Certified: This curriculum meets the standards of the American Chemical Society and is recommended for students intending to enter the chemical profession or intending to pursue graduate work in chemistry. Students who successfully complete the requirements for the BS in Chemistry degree will receive a certificate from the American Chemical Society indicating that their degree meets the standards of the Committee on Professional Training. If the student takes Chemistry 423 (Environmental Analytical Chemistry) and Geology 425 (Geochemistry) as electives in the BS in Chemistry program, the American Chemical Society certification will reflect this as a certification of a BS in Environmental Chemistry. The requirements for this degree are:

B.S. Degree, Major in Chemistry: This major in chemistry is intended for students needing a broadly based, flexible science background. The requirements are:

B. S. Degree, Major in Biochemistry: Students completing the Biochemistry degree will be prepared for career opportunities in the biotechnology, forensics, environmental, pharmaceutical, agricultural, and medical fields. Students will also be well prepared for graduate-level study in biochemistry, biotechnology, and genetics and molecular biology. Additionally, Biochemistry is an excellent choice for students desiring to attend Professional training in Medicine, Dentistry, Pharmacy, Law or Engineering. The requirements for this degree are:

B.S. Degree, Major in Forensic Chemistry: This major is intended for students who wish to pursue a career in fields involving forensics. Students are strongly encouraged to engage in a Forensic Chemistry related Capstone Experience (CHM 491). The requirements are:

B. S. Degree, Major in Environmental Chemistry: Students completing the environmental chemistry degree will be prepared for career opportunities in environmental chemistry, toxicology, environmental policy, and consulting. Additionally, Environmental Chemistry is an excellent choice for students desiring to attend Professional training in Law, or Safety, or Industrial Hygiene. The requirements for this degree are:

*Recommended for students considering graduate school, CHM 358 counts as an upper division elective in this major.
^Students should choose at least 8 credit hours from courses in the list below. Courses from a maximum of two departments may be selected. Students wishing a physical science emphasis may take all of the Geology electives and not take either BSC 445 or IST 323.
BSC 431, 446
CHM 467
GLY 320L, 420, 455, 455L, 456, 456L
IST 320, 321
PHY 412

Grade Point Average: A grade point average of 2.0 in all required Chemistry courses as well as an overall 2.0 in all Chemistry courses will be required for either degree program.

Computer Skills: Students in either degree program are required to demonstrate their proficiency in the use of computers in chemical applications. This requirement may be met by either passing an exemption exam (given by the department each semester) or by taking CHM 223 or by taking a programming course for a scientifically useful computer language. Any student who fails to pass the exemption exam on the second attempt will be required to fulfill the requirement by completing CHM 223 or an appropriate programming course.

Honors, Research, and Special Programs in Chemistry: The department offers a number of unique enrichment programs outside the above curricula that are open to students in either degree program. All entering students in chemistry should contact either the department office or their advisor for full details.

Minor in Chemistry
The Department of Chemistry awards a minor in chemistry to students who have completed the following courses with a minimum grade of C in each course: CHM 211, 212, 217, 218, and any two additional courses chosen from CHM 307, 345, 355, 356, 357, 358, or 448.